By Mark Gleeson
HT Picture
PRETORIA, – South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns will probably be scorching favourites to win a second CAF Champions League title after they face Pyramids within the two-leg last however the Cairo aspect have confirmed themselves no pushovers after shaking up a duopoly in Egyptian soccer.
Pretoria-based Sundowns, who gained the continental title in 2016, host Saturday’s first leg at Loftus Versfeld earlier than travelling to Cairo for the return on June 1.
The South Africans are frequent guests to the enterprise finish of the event, reaching not less than the quarter-finals in seven of the final eight editions.
However whereas they’ve a powerful pedigree, striding by way of the group levels in earlier editions and even setting a document for the variety of factors attained within the course of, they’ve developed a repute for wilting below the strain of the knockout rounds.
They seemed to be going out within the semi-finals for a 3rd successive season final month when a last-minute personal purpose handed them a 1-1 draw at holders Al Ahly of Egypt and allowed them to advance to the ultimate on the away targets rule.
Coached by Portuguese Miguel Cardoso, Sundowns are owned by the household of Confederation of African Soccer President Patrice Motsepe, one of many richest males in Africa.
Motsepe has pumped cash into the membership and given them sources far exceeding these of just about all their rivals.
Final week they secured a record-extending eighth successive South African Premiership title and subsequent month head to the Membership World Cup with a squad strengthened by signings from Argentina, Brazil and Chile.
Pyramids have emerged from the shadows of Egypt’s two main golf equipment, Al Ahly and Zamalek, having solely been fashioned in 2008 after which shifting to Cairo a decade later after being taken over by Saudi buyers.
The membership now have United Arab Emirates possession and got the monetary would possibly to compete with Al Ahly and Zamalek for Egypt’s high expertise, in addition to shopping for gamers from elsewhere in Africa to bolster their squad.
They’re competing within the Champions League last for the primary time, having reached the title match at solely the second try.
Pyramids are additionally within the hunt for a primary Egyptian league title and can play within the nation’s cup last towards Zamalek on June 5.